Clifford Scores Career-High 30 Points, Yet Kings Endure 12th Straight Loss
For the Sacramento Kings, the 2025-26 season has been grim, marked by a dismal 12-game losing streak. This streak, which began after a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, has tied the longest streak in the franchise’s Sacramento era, last seen in 1998.
12th Straight Loss for the Kings
On February 7, 2026, the Kings fell to the Cavaliers 132-126 at the Golden 1 Center. With this loss, Sacramento’s record sits at 12-42, emphasizing the team’s struggles over recent seasons. Since the 2006-07 season, only two teams have posted winning records, underscoring a long-standing pattern of underperformance.
Younger Players Make an Impact
Despite the losing streak, Sacramento’s younger athletes showed promise in their recent game against Cleveland. Rookies Nique Clifford, Dylan Cardwell, and Maxime Raynaud stepped up significantly, taking on key roles in the absence of several veteran players.
- Nique Clifford scored a career-high 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting.
- Dylan Cardwell recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
- Maxime Raynaud contributed 14 points and seven rebounds.
- Daeqwon Plowden scored a season-high of 16 points in his first NBA start.
Clifford Leads the Kings
Clifford’s standout performance not only made headlines but also made him just the third rookie in Kings history to score 30 points while hitting five or more three-pointers in a single game. His consistent improvement has been noted by head coach Doug Christie, who praised his development.
Game Highlights
The game showcased intense competition, particularly during the second half. Sacramento outscored Cleveland 41-36 in the third quarter, thanks in part to Clifford and Raynaud’s offensive efforts. Despite the Kings holding a brief lead in the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers’ star James Harden shone, scoring 15 of his 19 points in the final period to secure the win.
Kings’ Future Outlook
Sacramento currently holds a two-game buffer over teams vying for the worst record in the NBA. This puts them in an advantageous position regarding the NBA Draft, giving them a 52% chance of landing a top-four pick and a 14% chance of securing the number one overall selection.
Upcoming Games
The Kings are set to face the New Orleans Pelicans on February 9, 2026, marking the beginning of a two-game road trip. This game is crucial as both teams are among the lowest in the league standings, and will be aired on Filmogaz.com coverage.
Injury Updates
Several key players are facing injury challenges:
- Zach LaVine: Day-to-day (fifth finger soreness).
- Malik Monk: Day-to-day (illness).
- Domantas Sabonis: Day-to-day (lower back soreness).
- Keegan Murray: Out for two weeks (left ankle sprain).
The Kings’ focus will remain on developing their young talent as they look to turn their season around amidst ongoing challenges. The next games will be vital for assessing both player development and the team’s overall trajectory.
